Man impersonates officer to get free drink at Golden Corral

An armed man who police say tried to get a free drink by impersonating police was arrested at Golden Corral in Clarksville this week.

At about 5:10 p.m. Thursday, Ronald Taylor entered the Golden Corral on Wilma Rudolph Boulevard and, while ordering food, produced a concealed handgun and badge and told the clerk that the drink is usually free, according to a news release from the Clarksville Police Department.

Ronald Taylor's concealed carry badge from the state of Kentucky.(Photo: Clarksville Police Department)

A CPD detective who happened to be in front of Taylor in the line overheard and asked Taylor if he was a police officer.

Taylor said he was with the Department of Homeland Security and was in town on business, the release said.

Police determined that Taylor is an insurance agent in Kentucky with a concealed permit and badge from the state of Kentucky. He was carrying a loaded Springfield XD 45 and a loaded Ruger 380 handgun.

"He was impersonating a cop with two loaded guns on his person," said CPD spokeswoman Officer Natalie Hall, emphasizing the seriousness of the incident.

"There have been horrific crimes committed by individuals who impersonate police officers, such as kidnapping, rape and murder."

Taylor, of Russellville, Ky., was charged with impersonating a police officer and booked into Montgomery County Jail.